“U” is for the United Nations

“Representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints addressed the role of the Church’s global humanitarian outreach efforts at a meeting at the United Nations in New York City on 27 February 2014.¹”

I was present that day last year and it was a truly amazing experience to be in that meeting where the efforts of the Church in offering humanitarian was was unfolded. I knew that the members of the Church had been involved in many such efforts throughout the world, but just how widespread those efforts were and how great the manpower involved was, truly caught me by surprise, as it did many others, as well.

For instance, I was unaware that immediately following WWII the members of the Church in Holland had gathered together over 70 tons of new potatoes that were put into the warehouse to be exported to Germany. One must consider that at that moment of time there was not a whole lot of love lost between the Dutch and the Germans, but they willingly shared what they had, planting potato crops wherever they could find a free space to cultivate; some even turned the space used for flower gardens into potato patches. Were they their brothers’ keepers? You can bet on it!

When the Teton Dam waters overflowed in Idaho, more than 45,000 members of the Church also flowed in Idaho to assist in cleaning  and fixing up. The same thing happened here in New York City when Sandy hit us in 2012.

Italian members of the Church sewed rag dolls in cooperation with UNICEF in order to collect funds for vaccinations for children in Third World countries.

“Initiatives of LDS Charities in 2013 include clean water (560,000 people in 37 countries), neonatal resuscitation (28,000 people in 37 countries), vision care (89,000 people in 34 countries), wheelchair distribution (66,000 people in 55 countries), family gardens (35,000 people in 20 countries), immunizations (18 projects in 12 countries) and emergency response (103 projects in 54 countries).”²

The services rendered around the world are provided free of charge  to all people, regardless of nationality or religion.

I enjoyed participating in the meeting, and hearing about the way things are improving throughout the world, thanks to the services offered by the Church.

For those who are interested, there is a video at the link below that should play; it shows the entire meeting if you are able to get it going.

¹http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormon-representatives-united-nations-discussion

² ibid.

© April 23, 2013. Mary Purpari. All Rights Reserved.